I checked and it looke like customs on Bagram will not let any weapon accessories thru, so my question is how are you guys taking spare mags and optics with you on deployments? Do you just give it all to the arms room?
my brother took a better sling with him. he still has it attached to his weapon. that’s the only thing he took with him though.
Package it up and mail it over to your APO if all else fails.
I did a search on Bagram Customs and they flat out say that weapon accessories are not authorized to go thru customs. The last thing I want to do is either not be able to get my stuff or worse, not be able to send it back. I’m guessing that if it’s attached to my rifle I’m good to go, but what about spare mags and other stuff?
If you send it to your APO you’ll have it in two weeks. What are you planning on bringing over that you’re not issued? If it’s just a few magazines I wouldn’t worry about getting them home, they aren’t expensive.
4 options:
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Keep it on your weapon until you get through customs.
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Find a way to mail it.
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Get your unit to work up a memo that says you are authorized to have them.
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If you trust your arms room guy enough put it in the arms room connex.
I went with number one. Had my spare parts in my bag, and after landing back in Germany I swapped everything back out to “stock” so I could turn it in when we got to post.
If you can get a memo get the NSN’s off the items, and list them on the memo along with qty. If you cant find an NSN just get something close. If you chain of command is cool enough they won’t let some customs monkeys take your shit.
Arms room connex can be sketchy depending on who is handling it, and it would be a good idea to be there when its popped open at your home base.
My deployment is a few months out, I plan on replacing my M68 with an ACOG, bringing some PMAGS, and Factory Beretta M9 Mags, this is if I get the ok from my unit. I’m not too worried about that part. These are all based on recomendations from the been there done that crew.
Do you guys have any other suggestions for weapons kit?
Not to be rude guys but what the hell are you taking about? If your unit isses optics it can be on your weapon if you bought your own optic it can be on your weapon how the hell would they know?
I have done the customs thing more times than I care to count and I’m not in a special unit! I took my own ACOG to IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN no issues what so ever.
We where relived early during the SURGE and I was put in charge of the customs and shipping of our gear back state side. I had to book all the appointments with customs which is run by the Coast Guard. Never once was this issue even addressed at all. Knives where another story all togher(GAY) had to get a letter from the commander for every JOE and attach it to knife and had to be in CONEX.
If its on your weapon the assumption is its issued!
I returned from a 1 year tour in Afghanistan last December. I cleared customs at Manas AB, Kyrgastan with my PMAGs and other accessories. Never was asked about them…nor was anyone else on my flight.
However, you can get a letter from your command saying these accessories are personal and authorized for hand carry (with an inventory of what you will be carrying)…I believe you need O-5 and above to sign.
You can’t mail it back, as the Post Office WILL inspect the package before it is sealed. If sealed, YOU will open it–or it won’t be mailed. They are checking for things like foregrips, mags, and the like. I had a personal foregrip I brought with me…and tried to mail back–was stopped at the PO.
Get the memo…you shouldn’t have a problem.